Footage showing a 6-year-old girl trying to help a man up on the sidewalk sparked a wave of online discussion. The prosecutor’s office and the juvenile police investigated all the details of the incident and took the family under their supervision.
A video featuring a young child and an adult man who fell ill in the middle of a street in Uzhhorod went viral on regional and national social media. Prosecutors, juvenile police, and local social services responded immediately to the incident, quickly identifying all individuals in the video.
A comprehensive investigation has been launched into the widely publicized incident.
Who appears in the video and what actually happened
Police officers and officials from the Transcarpathian Regional Prosecutor’s Office have pieced together the full picture of the incident:
- People involved in the incident: The video shows a 6-year-old girl and her uncle (her mother’s cousin). It was determined that the man is a participant in the state-sponsored substitution maintenance therapy (SMT) program.
- Sequence of events: About a year ago, the family was forced to evacuate to Uzhhorod from Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast, due to hostilities. That day, the family was returning home from the store: the mother and her younger child were walking ahead, while the uncle and the 6-year-old girl followed behind.
- Reason for the stop: While walking, the man suddenly felt ill, fell onto the sidewalk, and was unable to get up on his own. His young niece stayed by his side and tried to help him get back on his feet, which was filmed by passersby.
Work by Juvenile Prevention and Social Services
Juvenile police inspectors are currently working closely with the family of internally displaced persons, in collaboration with child welfare services.
Law enforcement officials are thoroughly examining the family’s living conditions and the care and upbringing of the children, as well as verifying that the mother is fully fulfilling her parental responsibilities. The situation is under the personal supervision of the leadership of the Transcarpathian Regional Prosecutor’s Office.
A Call from Law Enforcement: Take Action, Don’t Just Post on Social Media
Separately, the police and the prosecutor’s office have appealed to city residents and witnesses of similar situations, calling for humanity and civic responsibility.
Instead of wasting precious time filming videos and chasing views on Telegram channels, citizens are advised to act immediately:
- Call emergency services immediately: if you see a person in distress or a child in potential danger, call 102 or 112 (these lines are toll-free and available 24/7).
- Provide whatever assistance you can: make sure the child is safe, and wait for law enforcement or medical personnel to arrive.
- Remember the consequences: A timely call to emergency services can save a life and prevent tragedy, whereas posting a video online without calling for help does nothing to protect the child.
Source: Transcarpathian Regional Prosecutor’s Office / Main Directorate of the National Police in Transcarpathian Region.
